WASHINGTON – Just because the local teams didn’t make the Super Bowl, doesn’t mean you have to put your own party plans on hold.

Regardless of which team you root for, the highlight of your Super Bowl party can be the food.

Besides knowing the latest news, traffic and weather, the WTOP news staff knows food.

Here are a some recipes that will surely be a hit among your party-goers.

Yummy Spinach Dip

In full disclosure, Reada Kessler snagged this recipe from the back of the Knorr Vegetable Soup package and then modified it.

• 1 package (10 oz.) baby spinach, chopped or 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 16 oz. sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 package Knorrs Vegetable soup/dip mix (or any veggie dip mix)
• 1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped (This is optional. It tastes great without them.)
• 3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Combine all ingredients and chill about 2 hours or overnight. Serve in a hollowed out bread bowl with bread and crackers for dipping.

Super Spicy Cheese Dip

• 8 oz. cream cheese (one brick)
• 8 oz. of salsa (I prefer hot)
• 1 small can of chopped green chilis
• 8 oz. grated cheese (I use a spicy Mex-mix) plus a bit more for topping

Let the cream cheese sit out to get to room temperature. In a large bowl mix the chilis (drained juice from can) and cream cheese. Then add Salsa and stir. Then add grated cheese and stir. Spread in dish for serving with rubber spatula. Top dip with additional grated cheese (cover entire surface area) and let set in fridge for an hour or just dig in if you can’t wait.

Mike Jakaitis’ Guacamole
(This one won WTOP’s Great Guacamole Challenge in 2008) (Serves 4 to 6)

• 3 avocados
• fresh jalapeno (chopped to taste)
• serano jalapeno (chopped to taste)
• 1 small tomato seeded and diced
• 1 shallot diced